Message from the President ahead of the 2021 Spring Semester

To Kyushu University Students, Faculty & Staff: 

The 2021 academic year has begun. I would like to welcome all of the new students who have worked so hard to join us here at Kyushu University. It is now time for you to start your life as a university student. For current students, faculty, and staff, this is a new milestone and another step forward in your education, research, work, and life at Kyushu University. Unfortunately, we are still faced with the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At Kyushu University, we have taken a variety of precautions to prevent the spread of infection, and thanks to your cooperation, we have confirmed that no cases of infection have resulted from in-person classes, research, or student extracurricular activities.

Even with the latest advances in video conferencing technology, there is still an essential need for face-to-face interaction, whether it be experiments in the research lab or experiences with classmates on campus. Based on what we have learned from the past year, we plan to dramatically increase the number of in-person classes for AY 2021 while continuing to give the utmost consideration to preventing the spread of infection. 

I would also like to reiterate the need for all members of the student body to wear face masks, practice proper hand hygiene, avoid the “3 Cs,” and continue to limit movement and refrain from going out.　

Measures Taken by Kyushu University to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/245　

I understand that many of you may be suffering, both physically and mentally, under the duress of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. You may also have concerns about school and living expenses or anxiety about finding a job. We are always here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact the university if you have any questions or concerns.

Until now, you may have found help by consulting with friends, teachers, and colleagues. Those same people may have noticed when you weren’t your usual self. But now that we are spending more time online and are confined to the four walls of our rooms, there are fewer opportunities for us to check in on each other. Now, more than ever, I want us all to look out for each other and be considerate of our fellow friends, classmates, and colleagues. 

Support for Those in Need of Assistance
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/246 

Building and strengthening trustworthy relationships is more important than ever as we battle COVID-19. Despite the current restrictions, I hope that you will be able to bond with and support your fellow students through extracurricular activities and labs as well as inside and outside the classroom. 

I must also ask for the continued support of the Kyushu University Hospital, as it appears we will have to endure the COVID-19 pandemic for a while longer.

However, I believe that one day, through the power of science, we will be able to overcome this disease. And Kyushu University is doing all that it can to that end.

But until then, the university must take all possible measures to prevent the spread of infection as the situation continues to develop. I ask for the understanding and cooperation of all our students, faculty, and staff to prevent any kind of outbreak while we pursue our academic and research goals.
 

April 8, 2021
Tatsuro Ishibashi
President, Kyushu University 

※We would like to take a moment to review the  living guide at the start of this new term.
https://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/intlweb/cmn/data/pdf/livingguide.pdf